HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I'm curious... Who is running today!? - And no I don't mean through the shopping malls :)

Happy Thanksgiving

                            

       

What type of runner are you?

Starting week 9 again.  The schedule is run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes. I was able to run with my friend Monica yesterday. I have forgotten how much it helps to have someone to run with.  I am now able to run half of the path around Lake Eola.  God willing in a few weeks I will be running the whole lake.

I ran across this article this morning, "Running Benefits: Running for Weight Loss".  One section in particular caught my interest.

"TWO KINDS OF RUNNERS

Those who run in an almost trance-like manner, switching off, putting their troubles and the daily grind behind them (when else can you do that?). They simply place one foot in front the other and shut everything else out, simply feeling the rhythm of their movements. Then, there are those who see things clearer, chew over and solve problems, achieve clarity and transparency and find motivation in events of their life to run faster, harder, stronger. You won’t know what type of runner you are until you start running. Whichever group you fall into, you will finish with a feeling of liberation, catharsis and accomplishment. While it doesn’t happen after the first run, by the second or third week you’ll get of taste of it."

http://www.superskinnyme.com/benefits_running.html 

I think I am the second type - the one who cogitates over life's problems.  What type of runner are you?

                                          

Stop. Rewind. Now Go.

Wow this last month and a half has flown by. I cannot believe I have not been writing. I am making a point to try harder to keep up because this blog is sometimes what keeps me going. 

Weeks ago I stopped following my training plan. I was still running but tryin to progress at my own pace. That didn't work to well for me. I think I need the specific plan to follow. So I am going back to where I left off. Running as been hard lately so I decided to go back 1 extra week. I am restarting at week 8. Not as bad a I thought, I felt like I would be going back to week 3. 

Running plans seem to get intimidating when you get into the higher weeks.  The running time makes dramatic jumps. The plan I go jumps from 5 to 10 to 25 mins in a matter of 3 weeks. But maybe at that point it becomes easy. I am not sure though. I will let you know. I have one more run this week to complete week 8. I plan to do that Friday. It's 2:30 on, 2:30 off. 

Rocks, Pebbles and Sand

 Worst day at work ever.  I was on my feet till 2pm.  FYI I have sedentary job. Makes no sense! My plan was to run at Lake Eola after work.  But by 2pm my feet hurt along with my lower back.  And on top of that I was behind and looking at staying late at work.  Which would mean no time for running. 

As the day went on I knew I could not give up that easy.  So I came up with a plan, I would head home right after work, put food In the crock pot, and then run around the neighborhood before picking up the kids.

Again as time creep up I started thinking about everything that needed to be done.  By the time I got home it was almost 6.  I knew I could not do what I needed to do and still run.  So I gave in, again. Then, I got a call from my kids dad saying he would bring them home and it would be a little bit later than the time I would pick them up.  That was my chance, I was going to run now or never.  I won't lie, the thought went through my head to skip the run and get things done at home.    Two months ago I would have skipped it.  But the thought of letting my first planned Jogger Mom run go by undone was enough to get me out.

Turns out, even with the bad day, I had a great run.  I ran 3 minute intervals with 2 minute walking in between.  And I even ran a few extra minutes at the end.  

 

 

                                                          

Not bad for pace!  Every once in a while my boss reminds me of this story.  You have a jar along with rocks pebbles and sand.  The rocks represent what is important to you.  The pebbles are a step down and the sand a step down front that.  If you put the sand or pebbles in first you will not have room for the rocks.  However, if you put the rocks, then pebbles, then sand in, you will have room for all.  For me, running has to be one of those rocks. 

It's October, time for Jogger Mom

A while back I posted about a virtual marathon I am participating in.  It's called Joggermom.   Basically, you have the whole month of October to run a marathon.  Now, I am not sure if I will ever run a marathon, but a virtual one, broken up, that's doable.

                                     

They even include a medal!

                                        

                                                

In the reminder email the lady joked about some who will run the marathon the last week of October.  I am determined not to be one of those.  So, I calendered 26.2 miles of runs. Races count.  I plan to run more but this way at least I know I have the minimum.  I put the runs on my race calendered just to have that extra accountability.  

                                       

Healthy Habits

A lot of my goals have the do with running, however some of them are geared towards losing weight. Since I started running I have gained weight. And no I am sure it's not muscle, I haven't been lifting weights.  I knew I was going to need another focus for the diet side.  I have been thinking about weight watchers for months.  I finally decided to sign up.  I got a good deal, buy 1 month get 1 free.  I tried online years ago and it didn't work well for me.  I need the accountability. Anyway, I'm on week 2.  The first week I lost a grand total of .2 lbs.  Disappointing right. But this week I lost 2.8. I am very happy with that.  

Today's meeting was about healthy habits.   Did you know that idea that it takes 21 days to make a habit is actually a myth.  It can take anywhere from 18 to 254.  I guess perseverance is the key.  I can make a huge list of habits I would like to create.  But I know the key is starting little.  So I am going to work on two habits.  The first, write everything I eat down. Part of the reason online weight watchers didn't work for me was the fact that I cheated. I know, it's true.  Second, I want to run four days a week.  This is a little tougher because my available running time has minimized, but I am determined to figure something out.

What are some healthy habits you would like to start?

It keeps getting better!

I'm finally getting my schedule were I want it.  I was able to run today and yesterday after work.  Yesterday I ran at Lake Eola.  Good news. I'm improving and I can tell!  Last time I ran at Lake Eola I had a hard time running half a curve.  Yesterday I was able to run the whole curve each time.  It feels good to see the accomplishment. 

On another note,  I get to cross something off my list.  Last weekend I volunteered at Miracle Miles.  My running group had a water stop for the 5k runners. It was both inspiring and fun.  After they were done we got to cheer on the 15 runners. First time I ever saw the end of a race.  It's very motivating.  I can't wait to do it again. 

                                        

                                                     The whole water stop gang

                                        

                                                           Starting early, 5am